Graphic + Media Design

Classes

GMD 201: Type and Design I

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will introduce students to the concept of designing with type. Students will explore type as an element of design using letters, words and blocks of text. Students learn the anatomy of letter forms, aspects of form and space of words, and the relationship of paragraphs to the grid as it applies to single page compositions.

Prerequisites

GMD 217 & GMD 220

GMD 203: Graphic Design I

Class Program
Credits 3

In this introductory course students become familiar with the basic tools, techniques, terminology and materials of the graphic designer. Students will learn to apply basic design principles to form and message in order to solve visual communication problems. The design process will be explored through the completion of assigned projects that incorporate initial research, idea generation, and final presentation of a design solution.

Prerequisites

Completion of 12 or more credits.

GMD 207: Graphic Design II

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will build upon the principles and concepts explored in Graphic Design I. Conceptual development, visual problem solving, project research, advanced typographic and advanced layout skills will be stressed. Projects and exercises will be assigned to help students explore these principles.

Prerequisites

GMD 203

GMD 217: Imaging I

Class Program
Credits 3

This introductory course will develop a fundamental understanding of the function, meaning and application of photographic imagery used in visual communications. Students will learn how tools, materials, and the principles of design work together to effectively represent an idea. Students will be introduced to the basics of digital workflow, critical thinking, creative problem solving and conceptual development.

GMD 218: Type and Design II

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will build upon the fundamentals of type, design and layout explored in Type and Design I. Students will be introduced to the rules of typography and how to break those rules as well as modular and multi-column grid systems in the context of multi-page sequential projects. The finer points of typesetting, page layout and publication design are also explored in this course.

Prerequisites

GMD 201

GMD 220: Imaging II

Class Program
Credits 3

This introductory course will develop a fundamental understanding of the function, meaning and application of images used in visual communications as they apply to vector graphics. Students will learn how tools, materials, and the principles of design work together to effectively represent an idea. Students will be introduced to the basics of digital workflow, critical thinking, creative problem solving and conceptual development.

GMD 225: Motion Design 1: Video

Class Program
Credits 3

This foundation course promotes creative expression using the principles of moving images and sound. Students are introduced to numerous forms of time-based media as a means to express ideas to an audience. Students will develop media literacy skills while gaining valuable aesthetic, conceptual and technical skills in a hands-on learning environment that includes theory, exploration, practice and critique.

GMD 301: Digital Production I

Class Program
Credits 3

This course explores the processes of preparing graphic work for print, web, and electronic distribution. Numerous contemporary topics related to design and production such as printing specs, color profiles, image preparation and distribution will be explored. Projects will be created using a variety of software within the context of professional standards and the digital workflow.

Prerequisites

GMD 201, GMD 217, GMD 218 & GMD 220

GMD 305: Interactive Design I

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of design, production and programming of interactive media. Students will learn a variety of techniques and methods for creating interactive content that heightens the user experience. An emphasis is placed on the proper application of leading-edge technology and coding to create unique projects that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

Prerequisites

GMD 217

GMD 306: Interactive Design II

Class Program
Credits 3

This course continues the development of skills introduced in Interactive Design I with an emphasis on non-linear interactive media. Students continue to study the process of design, production and programming of interactivity that includes sound, motion and user interaction.  This course will further the student's understanding of coding as a means to produce rich interactive content and applications.

Prerequisites

GMD 305

GMD 307: Design Studio I

Class Program
Credits 3

In this studio course, students will develop personal working methods and interests through the development and application in projects. Students will hone their technical and visual design sensibilities, and begin to frame lines of inquiries of their own. Evidence that craft and working method have evolved will be stressed in this course. 

Prerequisites

GMD 311

GMD 308: Design Studio II

Class Program
Credits 3

In this advanced studio course, students will continue to develop personal working methods and interests through the development and application in projects. Students will hone their technical and visual design sensibilities, and begin to frame lines of inquiries of their own. Evidence that craft and working method have evolved will be stressed in this course.  

Prerequisites

GMD 307, GMD 311

Corequisites

GMD 311

GMD 311: Graphic Design III

Class Program
Credits 3

An advanced design course that emphasizes research methodology in graphic design. Students learn methods of qualitative and quantitative research; research strategies of competitive analysis, ethnographic research, user testing, and visual exploration and research documentation. Design and the creative process, critical evaluation and professional presentations are also important elements of this course.

Prerequisites

GMD Majors only

GMD 315: Business Practices for Visual Artists

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will introduce students to the practice of working as a professional artist/designer. Topics will include professional standards and ethics, intellectual property law, finances, contracts, planning and organization, and professional relationships. Students will study current issues and the changing role of the artist/designer in contemporary society as they prepare for a career in creative industry.

GMD 318: Type & Design III

Class Program
Credits 3

In this course, students will learn advanced principles of typesetting and understand how these apply across media for communications. Hands-on exercises, research and discussions will build on principle Students will research a subject, conceptualize an idea, produce a design and discuss their project. This course will examine various topics. Each assignment will be contextualized through studies in design history and research.

Prerequisites

GMD 218

GMD 320: Imaging III

Class Program
Credits 3

Imaging III is an advanced course in which students use a variety of media to create images that solve design problems. Students will examine the history and current field of illustration as well as principles of design theory to create images that effectively communicate a specific message.

Prerequisites

AEM 101 & GMD 217

GMD 321: Digital Studio Techniques

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will explore a wide range of advanced, experimental techniques utilizing digital media. Students will also study the fundamentals of illustration and design to create unique images that visually communicate ideas in a compelling manner.

Prerequisites

AEM 101 & GMD 217

GMD 322: Motion Design 2: Animation

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is an introduction to the elements and principles of animation with emphasis on storyboarding, time-based design, audio production and creating assets. Projects include the exploration of story structure and keyframing techniques to create effective visual communication solutions that move.

Prerequisites

GMD 217, GMD 220, GMD 225

GMD 348: Topics in Graphic Design

Class Program
Credits 3

The department may offer courses in graphic and media design addressing contemporary topics and issues not otherwise included in the curriculum.

Prerequisites

Completion of 18 or more credit hours.

GMD 404: Interactive Design III

Class Program
Credits 3

This course continues the development of topics explored in Interactive Design 1 and 2 with an emphasis on industry-standards and leading- edge technology. Students will continue the study of usability theory, UI/UX design, and media-rich technology to produce non-linear, interactive design solutions.

Prerequisites

GMD 305

Corequisites

GMD 305

GMD 405: Senior Capstone I

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is a self-initiated research and development experience for students nearing completion of the BFA degree. Students begin with a thorough investigation of research methods used in art and design then progress to the development of a project concept and written proposal. Faculty work closely with students to guide the progression of their research and project deliverables through individual advising, group critiques, presentations, lectures, field trips and writing seminars.

Prerequisites

GMD majors only with 87 or more completed credits

GMD 406: Senior Capstone II

Class Program
Credits 3

This course enables students to expand and/or complete the body of work that began in Capstone Seminar I. Students will develop unique content and further their ability to express visual communication solutions through presentations, discussions and project development that push boundaries of traditional graphic and media design practice.  Students are encouraged to explore opportunities for large-scale, collaborative and multi-dimensional projects.

Prerequisites

GMD 405

GMD 415: Motion Design 3: Advanced

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will continue the exploration of time-based design commonly found in animated projects with an emphasis on the narrative. Advanced topics in audio production, digital imaging, story structure and visual effects will be explored to create industry-standard motion design solutions.

Prerequisites

GMD 322

GMD 420: Professional Practices

Class Program
Credits 3

This course will focus on the practice of working as a professional artist/designer and the creation of a professional portfolio. Topics will include professional standards and ethics, intellectual property law, finances, contracts, planning and organization, and professional relationships. Students will study current issues and the changing role of the artist/designer in contemporary society as they prepare for a career in the creative industry. As part of the course, existing projects are improved and new work is created to diversify the portfolio. Marketing materials are also created. Guest lectures, presentations, and mock interviews augment this course.

GMD 427: Graphic Design Internship

Class Program
Credits 3

The Graphic + Media Design internship allows the student to further the study of learned principles and gain valuable industry experience in a professional environment. Qualified students should be prepared to work at any number of internship sites such as a design studio, advertising agency, printing press, publishing company, interactive design firm or video production facility. Students will create a resume, cover letter and portfolio in preparation for the initial interview. A final presentation of work completed during the internship is required.